What is Q Decking
Q decking for concrete was once the branded product name for a metal deck product manufactured by HH Robertson in the 1960s. HH Robertson is no longer, but Q decking has remained a slang term for metal decking. Q decking concrete slabs are nowadays are specified as 2.0" composite deck and 3.0 Composite deck types.
Above you will see photographs taken from the HH Robertson deck catalog showing the Q profiles. Below we will suggest more modern alternatives to Q deck.
Q DECK WAS MANUFACTUERED IN THE 1960's AND DISCONTINUED BEFORE 1996.
IT'S NOW ACCEPTED AS A TERM FOR COMPOSITE METAL DECK
Despite metal Q decking not being manufactured in many years. We still receive many requests for steel Q deck as it's become a common phrase passed down over time by engineers and contractors. Therefore, O'Donnell Metal Deck has been servicing Q decking projects for as many years.
As a steel decking supplier, we when see a request for Q deck we are most commonly able to recommend a suitable composite deck type that is readily available. Typically, we are able to substitute the Q deck specifications by presenting the EOR (engineer of record) a profile that meets the projects concrete and span requirements after a simple conversation.
Q Decking FAQs:
Where does Q decking come from?
Q deck was the common name for the HH Robertson Company’s 2" deep Q-Lock Floor and 3" deep Q-lock Floor composite floor decks. HH Robertson merged with to form the new company Centria in 1996 but HH Robertson had discontinued the manufacturing of “Q deck” in the late 1960s.
What was steel Q decking used for?
Q deck for concrete was used to form wet concrete to create a suspended composite slab. Q deck is not best thought of as a broad category, but it's not a specific deck type.
What’s different between Q deck, form deck and composite deck?
As Q Deck is no longer supplied, composite deck is now the modern equal. There are engineering differences that the EOR will need to take into account which will vary by composite deck type.
Where can I buy Q decking?
Q decking is now a discontinued product from HH Robertson. The Q deck replacements are generally accepted as 2.0 composite deck and 3.0 composite deck.
What are the dimensions of steel Q deck?
The Q deck from the 1960s share the 12" deck pitch and 2" and 3" depths that now modern day 2" and 3" composite steel decks have.
Types of Q Decking
2.0 Composite
Composite pan decks are distinguished by embossments. Q decking now considered to be composite deck has embossments which are designed to grip the concrete slab once cured. 2" composite metal deck spans greater distances than shallower deck as its 2" deep rib provides space for reinforcing materials such as rebar or wire mesh.
HH Robertson 2" QL-99
DISCONTINUED
3.0" Composite Deck
3" composite deck are distinguished by embossments. 3" Q decking now classified as modern composite deck has embossments which are designed to grip the concrete slab once cured. 3" composite metal deck spans greater distances than shallower deck as its 3" deep rib provides space for reinforcing materials such as rebar or wire mesh.
HH Robertson 3" QL-99
DISCONTINUED
Gauges for Q Decking
The (EOR) or Engineer of Record should be dictating the Q decking replacement product and thus the gauge requirement for the specific deck needed on the job. Typically the EOR will specify which composite deck type is required on the plans. The gauge will depend on the factors below:
- Load capacities and/or concrete slab capacities
- Span capabilities of the deck during or after construction
- Diaphragm shear value
Since Q deck is not a specific deck type, the gauge will vary by composite deck profile.
Below is a chart of thicknesses measured in inches for commonly used gauges for steel composite decking.
Q Decking Conversion Chart |
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| Type | Gauge | Thickness / (in.") | (lbs. / ft2) |
| 2.0 Composite
2" QL-99 |
16 (ga) | .0598 | 3.28 |
| 18 (ga) | .0474 | 2.52 | |
| 20 (ga) | .0358 | 1.90 | |
| 22 (ga) | .0295 | 1.64 | |
| Type | Gauge | Thickness / (in.") | (lbs. / ft2) |
| 3.0 Composite
3" QL-99 |
16 (ga) | .0598 | 3.57 |
| 18 (ga) | .0474 | 2.85 | |
| 20 (ga) | .0358 | 2.15 | |
| 22 (ga) | .0295 | 1.78 |
Finishes for Q Deck
The finish of the Q deck now is replaced by composite metal deck is most commonly galvanized to withstand corrosion and is the best surface for concrete to adhere to. Learn about composite deck finishes.
Since Q deck is not a specific deck type.
The finish options will be dictated by which type of composite deck is ultimately specified.
Q Deck Alternatives:
We help customers who want peace of mind by ensuring your work is done right and exceeding expectations. Each quote is based on:
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